“Grange members were impressed by the work both of these organizations and their volunteers have done and decided each could use a little extra help with fundraising this year,” said Susan Chace, Mason Grange member and Mason Empty Bowls coordinator.
The first two Mason Empty Bowls events raised nearly $16,000 to help fight hunger and food insecurity among Warren County residents. Previous beneficiaries were the Mason Food Pantry, the Little Miami Food Pantry and Hope in Action’s Giving Garden.
As many as one in six Ohio households reported experiencing food insecurity in 2013-15, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Increasing numbers of working poor and senior citizens have come to rely on Warren County’s food pantries to help them meet household food needs while staying within a limited budget.
During the Mason Empty Bowls event, guests who purchase a ticket are invited to select a handcrafted bowl from hundreds created and donated by local potters, artisans, and students. Then, they dine on their choice of soups, bread and desserts, which are prepared and donated by more than a dozen local restaurants and bakeries.
“We also have a silent auction and additional donated pottery that guests can purchase to benefit both food pantries,” Chace said. “This year’s auction items include spa and massage treatments, gift certificates and tickets to Kings Island, The Beach Waterpark, Rock Quest and other local entertainment venues.”
The 2017 soup menu includes Lobster Bisque from Bravo! Deerfield; Hearty Chicken Noodle from Culver’s of Mason; Chef’s Choice from Firebirds Wood Fired Grill; Minestrone from Pitrelli’s Italian Ristorante; Creamy Potato from Quatman Café; Texas Sirloin Chili from The Rusty Bucket; Cauliflower Red Pepper from TPC River’s Bend; Tomato Bisque from Troy’s Café; Seafood Gumbo from Wildflower Café & Coffee House; and Chicken Pot Pie from Zoup!
“We also have bread coming from Great Harvest Bread Co., biscuits from Bob Evans, beverages from McAlister’s Deli, Penn Station and Starbucks, and desserts from Panera Bread, Aponte’s, Frisch’s, Mimi’s Café and Servatii Pastry & Deli,” Chace said.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of our area businesses, restaurants and potters,” Chace said. “This is a fun event with a serious purpose, and we could not do it without all of their help.”
Tickets are $20 per adult, which includes food and a handcrafted bowl. A $5 food-only ticket is available for children younger than 12. Purchasers are asked to select one of two seating times: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Visit www.MasonEmptyBowls.org for more information about how to buy tickets. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or donor for the 2017 event should email MasonOHGrange@gmail.com.
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